With a 7" diagonal screen and weighing 13 ounces (0.368 kg), the Slate 7 is an ideal trusted personal companion, featuring a stainless-steel frame and soft black paint in gray or red on the back. It also is the industry's first tablet to offer embedded Beats Audio, for the best-sounding, richest audio experience available on a tablet.

The Slate 7 delivers the Google experience with services like Google Now, Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and Google+ Hangouts for multiperson video chat as well as access to apps and digital content through Google Play.

"To address the growing interest in tablets among consumers and businesses alike, HP will offer a range of form factors and leverage an array of operating systems," said Alberto Torres, Senior VP, Mobility Global Business Unit, HP. "Our new Slate 7 on Android represents a compelling entry point for consumer tablets, while our ground-breaking, business-ready ElitePad on Windows 8 is ideal for enterprises and governments. Both deliver the service and support people expect from HP."

HP's tablet offerings reside in the company's newly formed Mobility Global Business Unit, established in September 2012 with the hiring of Torres. Torres joined HP from Nokia, where he was executive vice president and oversaw the MeeGo products and platform.

The Slate 7 includes a 3 megapixel camera on the back and a VGA camera on the front for chatting, videos and photos.

With the ePrint application, customers can easily print while at home or on the go, and the exclusive native printing capability enables customers to print directly from most applications. A micro USB port allows customers to easily transfer files, and a suite of applications from HP spans exclusive games to productivity tools.

HP will provide an array of simple and easy-to-access support tools and resources to help customers take full advantage of all of the features the Slate 7 has to offer. In addition to extensive phone and online support offerings included with the Slate 7, HP is offering customers the opportunity to add to the standard product limited warranty with its Care Pack services. Slate 7 customers will have the option to protect their investment with a two-year Care Pack for $29 or a two-year Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) for $49.

The HP Slate 7 is expected to be available in the United States in April with a starting price of $169.